French Cinema & Gastronomy Festival
The only festival in France combining French cinema and starred gastronomy
About French Cinema & Gastronomy
The French Cinema & Gastronomy Festival: A Unique Concept in France
The French Cinema & Gastronomy Festival of Aix-les-Bains is the only festival in France exclusively dedicated to French films of all genres and the only one to build a star-studded bridge between cinema and gastronomy. Since its first edition in 2022, this original event has captivated an audience eager for cultural and culinary discoveries, now attracting over 10,000 spectators each year.
A Dialogue Between Two Major Arts
The originality of the festival lies in its founding concept: to create a dialogue between French cinema and Michelin-starred gastronomy. Each evening features gala dinners orchestrated by Michelin Guide-starred chefs or those distinguished by Gault & Millau, served in the sumptuous Salons Victoria and Raphaël of the Casino Grand Cercle. Film screenings are accompanied by meetings with directors, actors, and cinema professionals, creating a privileged space for exchange between artists and the public.
This marriage between the seventh art and culinary art offers a complete sensory experience, where the emotion of the big screen extends into the pleasure of the table. The festival thus celebrates two forms of French excellence recognized worldwide.
A Rich and Varied Program
Each year, the festival offers a selection of films in competition (national premieres) and out of competition, always with the presence of the film crews. The competition awards eight AIXcellences prizes, the majority of which are chosen by public vote after each screening. In addition, there are documentaries dedicated to cinema legends, free masterclasses on film professions, animations (stunts, sound exhibitions, literary meetings), and a highly popular short film competition (150 films received for the 2026 edition).
Prestigious Guests
From its very first editions, the festival has attracted iconic figures of French cinema — actors, directors, producers, and screenwriters. Past editions have welcomed prestigious names such as Clélia Ventura, Christian Vadim, Paul Belmondo, Richard Berry, Dany Boon, and Florent Peyre (2025 patron). The 2026 edition honors Francis Huster (AIXcellence d'Honneur) and notably welcomes Manu Payet, Judith Godrèche, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Fred Testot, Kev Adams, and Sandrine Quétier, who will present the opening and closing ceremonies for the first time.
A Rising Festival
In just a few editions, the French Cinema & Gastronomy Festival has made a name for itself in the cultural landscape of Savoy and beyond. Its unique formula, combining screenings, cinematic encounters, and exceptional gastronomy, gives it a strong identity and a singular position among French film festivals.
French Cinema & Gastronomy — edition 2026
The 5th edition of the French Cinema & Gastronomy Festival takes place from June 1st to 6th, 2026 in Aix-les-Bains. A week of French previews, masterclasses, and dinners orchestrated by Michelin-starred chefs, with Francis Huster as AIXcellence of Honour and Sandrine Quétier presenting the opening and closing ceremonies for the first time.
5th edition — From June 1st to 6th, 2026
The French Cinema & Gastronomy Festival celebrates its 5th edition from June 1st to 6th, 2026 in Aix-les-Bains. This anniversary edition honours Francis Huster, designated AIXcellence of Honour, who will give an exclusive masterclass on his career. For the first time, the opening and closing ceremonies will be presented by Sandrine Quétier.
Six films in competition for eight AIXcellences awards
The jury and the public will decide between six French previews presented in the presence of their teams, including Claude Zidi Jr's new comedy La Maison de nos Rêves (filmed around Aix-les-Bains and Lake Bourget), Mémoire de Fille by Judith Godrèche and Histoires de la Nuit by Léa Mysius, both selected at Cannes 2026. This year's short film competition is chaired by Guillaume Laurant, screenwriter of Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain, and received a record 150 applications.
Gastronomy in the spotlight
The opening dinner is orchestrated by Marc Veyrat, while the closing dinner is entrusted to Luana and Alessandro Belmondo. Each evening offers a gourmet dinner signed by a Michelin-starred chef or one distinguished by Gault & Millau, in the Victoria and Raphaël Lounges of the Casino Grand Cercle or in partner restaurants in the Aix-les-Bains Riviera des Alpes territory.
New for 2026
- Creation of the AIXcellence Music award.
- Launch of VIP Cinema events with red carpet, photocall, VIP area with tastings and access to screenings.
- After-parties on the rooftops of partner restaurants.
- Inductions into the Confrérie de la Fondue Savoyarde during the “Les Fondues du Cinéma” evening (Friday, June 5th).
Guests
In addition to Francis Huster, the 2026 edition welcomes Manu Payet, Judith Godrèche, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Fred Testot, Kev Adams, as well as the teams of the competing films.
Programme French Cinema & Gastronomy 2026
Monday, June 1st, 2026 — Pre-opening
- Special screening (preview).
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 — Opening Night
- Opening ceremony presented by Sandrine Quétier.
- 7:00 PM — National preview in competition: La Maison de nos Rêves by Claude Zidi Jr, with Kev Adams, Chantal Ladesou, Camille Aguilar (team present). Film shot around Aix-les-Bains and Lake Bourget.
- Opening dinner orchestrated by Marc Veyrat.
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026
- 7:00 PM — Preview in competition: La Startup by Gilles Graveleau, with Gilles Graveleau, Serge Papagalli, Thierry Frémont, Fred Testot (team present).
- 9:00 PM — Preview in competition: Un Grand Raccourci by Armand Foëx and Clément Devilliers, with Jules Porier, Louise Labèque, François Le Bris (team present).
Thursday, June 4th, 2026
- Morning: spectacular stunt sequence directed by Patrick Bruneton and director Gérard Krawczyk.
- Masterclass by Francis Huster (AIXcellence of Honour).
- 9:00 PM — Preview in competition: Mémoire de Fille by Judith Godrèche, with Tess Barthélemy, Valérie Derville, Maïwene Barthélemy (team present). Film also selected at Cannes 2026.
Friday, June 5th, 2026 — Les Fondues du Cinéma
- 7:00 PM — Preview in competition: Deviens Génial by Léo Grandperret, with Manu Payet, Melha Bedia, Marie-Julie Baup (team present).
- 9:00 PM — Preview in competition: Histoires de la Nuit by Léa Mysius, with Hafsia Herzi, Benoît Magimel, Bastien Bouillon (director present). Film in competition at Cannes 2026.
- “Les Fondues du Cinéma” evening with inductions into the Confrérie de la Fondue Savoyarde.
Saturday, June 6th, 2026 — Closing Ceremony
- Presentation of the eight AIXcellences awards (five of which are awarded by public vote) and the new AIXcellence Music award.
- Closing ceremony presented by Sandrine Quétier.
- Closing dinner orchestrated by Luana and Alessandro Belmondo.
Program subject to change — consult the official website for updates and detailed schedule of screenings and masterclasses.
Highlights French Cinema & Gastronomy 2026
- 5th edition from June 1st to 6th, 2026.
- Francis Huster, AIXcellence of Honour, with an exclusive masterclass.
- Sandrine Quétier presents the opening and closing ceremonies for the first time.
- Six French previews in competition, including Mémoire de Fille by Judith Godrèche and Histoires de la Nuit by Léa Mysius (Cannes 2026 selection).
- Opening dinner by Marc Veyrat, closing dinner by Luana and Alessandro Belmondo.
- New AIXcellence Music award and VIP Cinema events.
- Short film competition chaired by Guillaume Laurant (150 applications received).
Prices French Cinema & Gastronomy 2026
Practical information — French Cinema & Gastronomy
Practical Information
Access
By car: Aix-les-Bains is accessible via the A41 motorway from Chambéry (15 min). Parking available in the city center.
By train: Aix-les-Bains-Le Revard station, served by TGV from Paris, Lyon, and Geneva.
Festival Venues
- Cinéma Les Toiles du Lac: screenings of films in and out of competition.
- Casino Grand Cercle: Salons Victoria and Raphaël for gala dinners, ceremonies, and meetings (200 rue du Casino, 73100 Aix-les-Bains).
- Château de Tresserve: special events and evenings.
- Partner restaurants in the Aix-les-Bains Riviera des Alpes region: dinners orchestrated by Michelin-starred chefs.
Prices
Screenings are accessible from 5 € (single session). A 5-day pass is available for 48 €. Special evenings (opening, closing, pre-opening) have a single price. VIP Cinema packages include red carpet, photocall, VIP area, and tastings (from 55 € to 300 € for a table of 6). Gala dinners are paid and require reservation.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 06 13 50 87 86
Official website: festivalducinemafrancaisaixlesbains.com
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Where does it take place — French Cinema & Gastronomy
Casino Grand Cercle, Cinéma Les Toiles du Lac & Château de Tresserve
200 rue du Casino, 73100 Aix-les-Bains